Comparing the Australian Church to the global Church
- Our Maximum Factor: Need-oriented evangelism more...
- Our Minimum Factor: Effective structures more...
- Our 2nd Minimum Factor: Holistic small groups more...
The International Salvation Army NCD profile
We can answer the question on the above chart from an outsider's perspective by imagining such a person moving toward the average Salvation Army Corps from the left hand side of the chart. The bars on the chart are like pillars or stepping stones on their road to Jesus' promised 'life in all its fullness'.
As they approach the average Corps, they discover a great willingness to try to speak the Gospel practically into their point of need (Need-oriented evangelism). This is very appealing and refreshing.
When they begin engaging with the people in the Corps, they are likely to find themselves quite quickly wrapped up in a network of friendships (Loving relationships) which again will be very attractive. (Wherever you roam in the Army world you are likely to find a meal and even a bed to sleep in if need be!)
Further into their journey, they are likely to encounter people with a heart for God (Passionate spirituality) and a desire to bring praise together (Inspiring worship service). To this point, (assuming these were the first four Kingdom needs of such a person) it has been a life-giving experience.
However, as this person comes to need the four key areas to the right of the chart (which may be early or late in their journey), they are far more likely to stumble on those underdeveloped pillars, perhaps not end up joining that Corps, or after some time, slip out the back door looking for where those needs can be met.
Most specifically, as they come to need a small group in which to grow and deal with the challenges of life, they are likely to be disappointed. The Army has many groups, but the issue is in the ability of those groups to meet the needs of our friend's head, hands and heart, particularly given that those at the core of the Corps who answered the survey say they are not having those needs met.
Additionally, when it comes time for our friend to discover, understand and find their unique place in the life of the Corps or even within the wider Salvation Army (Effective structures) they will again quite likely experience frustrations. Sure, they will probably be given a job to do, but it is not likely to fit particularly well to what God has called them to be and do.
The challenge, as for any denomination, is that over time, The Salvation Army will have attracted people that see the left hand values as most important, but are perhaps a little less concerned personally for those on the right. Therefore, the decision to develop the right hand areas will be dependant on a desire to meet the needs of those who do not make it in to the Army community or who drift away. To the greatest extent, most will have stumbled and potentially lost their way as a result of these lowest areas.